A pause, sustained. Then far back on the stage, as if parting heavy draperies, a pure white light divides the darkness. It illuminates for an instant a strange boy-like figure seated in front of the draperies on steps which seem to continue upward into the light an immeasurable distance. Slowly the curtains come together. The harsh voice of a Priest breaks the silence.

Priest. I render praise unto God, who hath instructed mine eyes so that I do not behold darkness.

A Womans Voice. Lonely

The stage becomes visible. In front of a background of tall neutral-toned draperies which meet, closing, at the center, three unequal steps extend across the stage. From these steps run two parallel black lines a short distance apart to the foreground, forming a path. At either side of the stage is a conventionalized suggestion of a realistic setting, clearly indicated but semi-transparent and without reality.The boy-like figure in white, whose name may be called Ralfar, remains seated on the steps. Nearer the front is the Priest and to the right an Old Man, blind. The chief masculine character of the play stands at the extreme right.

A Mother, crossing from the left. I am weary: if there be a search, the child I borelet him seek in my stead the dream

Old Man, crossing. I have lost the rest of me, my youth; the woman whom I loved is dead; if I had children, they are long since parted from me. I am but a husk, with life to feel the presence of the wind.

Ralfar, standing erect. Once I remember . naked voices that strove, crossing black lines. Is this the light, light bent from streets, which has power to withdraw the hunger, groping with blind courage, the hunger which was darkness?

A Young Girl, entering from the right. I go, to givehim . all that I am.

Ralfar looks towards her with a gesture as if of completeness, broken instantly by half-gestures from the Mother and Priest.

Mother. Stay. Unless . from love, to keep its beauty after love is gone, a child.

Ralfar sinks to the floor with hands extended toward him in surrender that is also a challenge. The vitality of this gesture draws the Man into a position suggesting love. The pose gradually becomes dynamic.

Ralfar turns abruptly, and is facing the curtains with hands stretched upward and outward.

Ralfar. The path calls back my footsteps whence they came.

The Mother recoils, as if frightened, glancing at the Man, who stands motionless. She goes off. Ralfar moves towards the curtains. A pause. Out of the silence are heard, at first distant, then nearer, heavy sounds, dull and in repetition.

A Voice. Brother, the chain with which you bind me hurts.

A Second Voice. I do not touch you. Brother, the chain with which you bind me hurts.

During what follows, discordant lights, irregular in contour, appear, and cross and re-cross, developing intensity as the stage grows darker to receive them. Various figures enter, scattered. Exit the Priest.